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Airlines That Offer Free Baggage to Military & Dependents
Updated as of 11/5/2018:
With the rising cost of flights it’s no secret that military members and their families are looking for ways to minimize the cost of travel. One of the ways to save on the total cost of flight travel is utilizing the free baggage policy for military that many airlines offer. While some of these baggage free baggage deals are only offered to the military member, there are a few open to dependents too.
There always seems to be confusion on which offer airlines offers what so our team did the research for you and compiled it here all in one place. Click on the Airline Titles for the official details from the airline.
Spirit Airlines
“Spirit, we will provide two free checked bags and a free carry-on, in addition to the already free personal item. The U.S. military member should arrive early enough to have their bags checked at the counter, and present their U.S. military ID.” This deal only applies to the Active Duty member. Active duty U.S. Military can now save time at the airport by validating their active duty affiliation online during their Spirit.com booking using ID.ME, a third party verification service. Simply click on the “verify” button at checkout via Spirit.com to validate your active duty status and claim your free checked and carry-on bags.”
SouthWest Airlines
“Military Passengers traveling on active duty or permanent change of station orders will be exempt from the two-piece Baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight Baggage charges, provided that none of the pieces of Baggage exceeds 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size (L+W+H)”. Also keep in mind that SouthWest does offer military fares.
Delta
Not only does Delta have a military and government desk and offer a military baggage policy they even offer special military flight discounts and special military offers through Delta vacations.
Military members on orders are allowed:
(5) free 100 pound bags at 80 inches and if orders ( remember if your traveling with the military members dependents bags can be included in this)
(2) free 50 pounds bags at 62 inches if on personal travel in economy and (3) 70 pounds bags if in first class. (if dependents are traveling with service member then your bags can be included in this).
Jetblue
Bags can be checked for no fee under the following circumstances:
Active duty traveling for duty (and dependents)
5 bags each for you and dependents traveling with you on the same itinerary
You will be required to show travel orders and DOD Common Access Card
Active duty traveling for leisure (and dependents)
2 bags each for you and dependents traveling with you on the same itinerary
You will be required to show DoD Common Access Card
Additionally military personnel and dependents who are members of Veteran’s Advantage can get a 5% military discount of their flights. Details here.
American Airlines
- Active U.S. military and/or dependents with ID traveling on orders (1st – 5th bags free of charge)
- Active U.S. military with ID on personal travel
You can call 1-800-433-7300 to see if there is a military or government discount for the city you’ll be traveling to.
United Airlines
- Active U.S. military personnel and their accompanying dependents, not traveling on official business, receive waived service charges for up to three checked bags at 70 pounds (32 kg) each.
- Active U.S. military personnel and their dependents traveling on official business receive waived service charges for up to five checked bags at 100 pounds (45 kg) each.
- Dependents traveling with active U.S. military personnel are also exempt as long as they are traveling in the same reservation.
Alaska Airlines
Military personnel and dependents traveling on orders get up to 5 bags each free up to 75 pounds and 115 inches or less.
Allegiant Airlines
Under the Allegiant Honors program U.S. active duty military, retired military veterans, members of the National Guard, military reserve and their dependents are eligible for free services when they fly Allegiant. These include up to three pieces of checked baggage, one carry-on bag, one pet in cabin, courtesy boarding pass printing at the airport and free seat assignments, pending availability. In addition, active duty military may board flights with priority boarding at no charge, and will not be charged a change or cancellation fee due to a change in orders.
Frontier Airlines
Via ThePointsGuy.com “Frontier Airlines offers free checked baggage to Active Duty Military.*** They require an active duty ID and/or that you are in uniform at the airport. You can not add your baggage online. You must check your baggage at the airport in order for the fees to be waived.”
Bonus Military Offer from Expedia
Don’t forget that Expedia offers a military promotion where you can earn free points, receive upgrades and so much more. I’ve personally received some of the best rates from them. Click here to sign up (it’s free) for this offer.
Up to $40 off Military Travel At CheapOAir + CashBack From Ebates
